Seven Years War John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun

north america

in 1756, loudoun sent north america commander-in-chief , governor general of virginia, unpopular many of colonial leaders. when learned merchants still trading french, while trying fight war against them, temporarily closed american ports. despite unpopularity county of loudoun, formed fairfax in 1757, named in honour. commander-in-chief, planned expedition seize louisbourg french in 1757 called off when intelligence (possibly including french military deception) indicated french forces there strong him defeat. while loudoun engaged in canada, french forces captured fort william henry british, , loudoun replaced james abercrombie , returned london. francis parkman, 19th-century historian of 7 years war, rates martial conduct of affair poorly.

many historians debate whether played fundamental part in 7 years war. arguably, influential figure embarked on reforms army such replacing ordinary musket flintlock musket greater accuracy. made improvements embarking on road improvement programme, recognising need supply army replaced traditional supply line army wagons. focus centralising system of supplies , had built storehouses in halifax , albany, whilst recognising importance of waterways means of transport. notably, integrated regular troops local militias-and irregulars fight different kind of war, linear, european style of warfare in british had been trained.

portugal

in 1762, sent portugal counter spanish invasion of portugal second-in-command, , became overall commander in 1763. despite being unable prevent loss of almeida, british forces launched counter-attack drove invaders across border.